She met his look unflinching. “No,” she said. “At least not entirely.” “There is another reason?” he questioned. She bent her head. “And I am not to know what it is?” His voice was low but it held urgency. Her hand was on the catch of the gate, but still she met his look. “Mr. Dermot,” she said, “there is a French saying that applies very closely to you and to me. Do you know what it is?” “‘_Tout comprendre est tout pardonner_,’” he said. She opened the gate. “Even so,” she said. “When that happens, you will know why I have not hated you.” She left him with the words, but not before the sudden fire of his look had reached her soul. As she went away down the garden-path, she knew that her limbs were trembling. But there was that in her heart which filled her with a burning exultation. The stones were turning to bread indeed. CHAPTER IX THE INVALID “Don’t take any notice of anything he says!” whispered Nurse Dolly. “Just sit beside him and keep him quiet! He’s got some queer fancies, poor old man. Sure you won’t mind them?” “Of course not,” Frances murmured back. “That’s right. And give him some bromide if he gets tiresome! Otherwise, that digitalis stuff. You understand, don’t you?” “Perfectly,” said Frances. “Then I’ll go,” said Dolly. “Be sure to call if you want anyone! I shall only be in the next room. I expect he’ll be quite good. He likes you. But don’t stand any nonsense from him! Because if once he gets the upper hand, he’s difficult.” “I am sure he will be good,” Frances whispered, with a pitying glance towards the pallid face on the pillow. “I daresay he will,” said Dolly. “He’s tired now. He may get a little sleep. It’s very good of you, Miss Thorold. He won’t stand anyone else near him, you know, except Mother. And it’s killing work for her.” “If you only knew how glad I am to be of some use to you at last!” Frances said. Dolly smiled. “You’ve made all the difference to this establishment already. There, I’ll go. Sure you’ve got everything you want?” “Everything,” said Frances. “Then good-bye! I’ll be back in two hours unless you call me sooner.” She nodded a cheery farewell and departed, softly closing the door behind her, leaving Frances to wonder at her endurance. For it did not take more than the most casual glance to tell her that the girl’s eyes were drooping with weariness. “They are all amazing,” she said to herself, as she sat down in a low chair within sight of the bed. “They never give in.” It was the afternoon of the following day and she had gained her end after a very brief talk with Mrs. Dermot who, somewhat to her surprise, had put but slight obstacle in her way. The fact that she herself was nearly dropping with fatigue possibly had some influence with her, but Frances was inclined to think that Arthur had already given his vote in her favour. For she had shown no surprise, only a wan gratitude that went to her heart.